Brees likely was not going to sign his $16 million franchise tender, and it was possible his holdout would have gone into training camp. But the Saints struck up a deal with the Super Bowl XLIV MVP less than two weeks before players are to report to camp.

The 11-year veteran passed for an NFL-record 5,476 yards last season, breaking the long-standing record held by Dan Marino.

Brees confirmed the signing via his Twitter minutes after the news broke.